ALTCS REGISTRATION
The Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS, pronounced ALL-Tecs) is health insurance for individuals who are age 65 or older, or who have a disability, and who require a nursing facility level of care.
Those who qualify do not have to reside in a nursing home. Many ALTCS members live in their own homes or an assisted living facility and receive needed in-home services.
Am I eligible for ALTCS?
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Have you been determined in need of a nursing home level of care as determined by AHCCCS?
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Are you a citizen or a qualified immigrant?
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Do you have a Social Security Number (SSN) or apply for one?
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Are you an Arizona resident?
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Have you applied for all cash benefits that you may be entitled to, such as pensions or VA benefits?
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Do you live in an approved living arrangement, such as your own home, or an AHCCCS-certified nursing facility or assisted living community?
How Are Resources Treated?
For single applicants, countable resources cannot be more than $2000.
If your resources are over $2,000, you may still be able to qualify by setting up a special type of trust, please ask for more information.
If you are legally married, you may be able to set aside some of your resources for the needs of your spouse, so long as your spouse is not living in a medical facility. If you are married, please ask for more information.
How is my income treated?
The income that is counted includes, but is not limited to, wages, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and disability or retirement pensions.
The ALTCS gross monthly income limit is $2,742 (effective January 1, 2023) for an individual. If you are married the combined total is $5,484.
How is medical eligibility determined?
Once you have been determined financially eligible, a registered nurse or social worker will determine if you are medically eligible after reviewing your clinical history and completing a phone interview.
To meet medical requirements, you must require a skilled nursing level of care, but you do not need to reside in a facility.
If eligible, what will I have to pay?
Once you have been determined eligible for ALTCS, a calculation will be made to determine if, or how much, you will need to pay towards the cost of your nursing home or home and community-based services
This amount is called the Share of Cost. Your monthly gross income will be totaled and then the following deductions may be allowed:
• A personal needs allowance
• A Community Spouse allowance for the needs of your spouse still living in the home
• A family allowance for any dependents living in your home
• A home maintenance allowance if you are in a nursing home but will go home within 6 months
• Your medical insurance premiums
• Medical expenses that ALTCS does not pay for like hearing aids, eyeglasses, and dental care
